I wish they do a revisit episode, like " here is what we planted back in August 2024, and 3 month later look them go!" Because, when I follow your instructions, everything dies, and that's probably my fault and would be good to see what the pros get at harvest time!
Hey Millie, I've done spuds in straw bales a few times with fair success, but only with determinate varieties like pontiac and kipfler. Nicola are indeterminate, so usually need layered mounding to crop well.... not something you can do easily in straw bales. There's also the problem of excess heat generation when fresh bales get wet and first begin to decompose. I think you might just end up with rotten, steamed potatoes from your project after a couple of sunny days. I begin my bales 6 weeks before planting and add a little liquid compost to kick-start the composting process. About 2 weeks in, you can see the bales steaming in the cool of the morning. I don't add spuds till internal temperatures have come down to normal again and the straw is starting to look a bit more grey. Let us know how you get on though! Will be interesting to see.
The first time, I tried gardening, and I wanted to try something I thought would be easy. So potatoes it was, and I tried pots first(failed), then I stumbled on the Ruth Stout method, it seamed so simple just put the potatoes on the ground and cover them with the loose straw(success) so easy. In the third year, I finally had proper garden beds, so I did in the ground with a much better yeald. But this year, we had no frosts at all, so I was able to over winter chillies, tomatoes, and grow potatoes right through the cold.
Love the Show Millie, keep it up, but I would be a bit worried about planting vegies in Straw Bales considering the Herbicides, Fungicides, Insecticides and Growth Regulators farmers put on their crops and land these days. And that includes the Herbicide Paraquat which is banned in 67 countries but allowed to be used in Australia
I'm reminded of RED Gardens doing an experiment of growing potatoes in different mediums and straw was the worst performing. As mentioned in this video, potatoes are hungry feeders and straw has little in the way of nutrients and moisture holding capabilities. I doubt we'll see a follow video on this method here.
The MillenialGardener does a lot of successful gardening in hay bales. As long as they're fed well knowing the hay has little when it comes to nitrogen can help. RED Gardens doesn't add a lot of fertiliser, plus he doesn't work in heavy clay, which Hannah has to deal with. He's also in Ireland, the home of potatoes
I've done spuds (kipfler & pontiac) in straw bales in the past, but I aged my bales for 6 weeks in the winter before planting. A fortnightly application of weak, liquid compost and a little dry manure (alpaca) on top was all it took to get the bales decomposing and for the excess heat created by the decomposition to dissipate. I'm not convinced Millie's spuds are going to work using an indeterminate variety in a fresh bale.
That’s true for the initial outlay, but the long term benefit is huge. I got about 5 years value out my bales, as they slowly rotted down and massively improved the texture of my heavy soil. We bought lucerne which is much more nutritious than meadow hay or straw. It all depends how much you want to invest in the long term project of growing your own food. We did lots of “catch crops” at the same time, while waiting for deeper/longer growing took place. I recommend you try at least one each year. The other thing I do for spuds is collect autumn leaves and plant in them.
Hay bales could work, but they are more likely to have seeds that will sprout and take over, including weedy ones! Straw bales are the best option if you have access to it.
Wildlife safe netting has tiny holes and needs to be taut over the plants or structure. Millie's old curtain fits the bill and in this case is for frost protection. Potatoes aren't as attractive to birds and bats as something like a fruit tree so it shouldn't be an issue here.
You need your own show Millie. There’s not a lot of Melbourne climate based info & it’s so informative. I always look forward to your segment. 👍
I wish they do a revisit episode, like " here is what we planted back in August 2024, and 3 month later look them go!" Because, when I follow your instructions, everything dies, and that's probably my fault and would be good to see what the pros get at harvest time!
It's the ABC mate don't think that's going to happen.
Took the words out of my mouth. I’ve seen too many now, where they don’t do this. And its not really worth me following I have realised
You are an amazing presenter, Millie. Thank you so much. 🙏🌳
Hey Millie, I've done spuds in straw bales a few times with fair success, but only with determinate varieties like pontiac and kipfler. Nicola are indeterminate, so usually need layered mounding to crop well.... not something you can do easily in straw bales. There's also the problem of excess heat generation when fresh bales get wet and first begin to decompose. I think you might just end up with rotten, steamed potatoes from your project after a couple of sunny days.
I begin my bales 6 weeks before planting and add a little liquid compost to kick-start the composting process. About 2 weeks in, you can see the bales steaming in the cool of the morning. I don't add spuds till internal temperatures have come down to normal again and the straw is starting to look a bit more grey. Let us know how you get on though! Will be interesting to see.
The first time, I tried gardening, and I wanted to try something I thought would be easy. So potatoes it was, and I tried pots first(failed), then I stumbled on the Ruth Stout method, it seamed so simple just put the potatoes on the ground and cover them with the loose straw(success) so easy. In the third year, I finally had proper garden beds, so I did in the ground with a much better yeald. But this year, we had no frosts at all, so I was able to over winter chillies, tomatoes, and grow potatoes right through the cold.
Love the Show Millie, keep it up, but I would be a bit worried about planting vegies in Straw Bales considering the Herbicides, Fungicides, Insecticides and Growth Regulators farmers put on their crops and land these days. And that includes the Herbicide Paraquat which is banned in 67 countries but allowed to be used in Australia
I grow potatoes in big grow bags. Add compost/soil and top with straw as they grow. End of season just dump them out. So no dig!
I do mine in a large bin and a washing machine barrel. Love the whole 'no dig' aspect!
2 weeks ago when digging up my neglected flower bed I revealed a crop of the most wonderful potatoes. Love those plants ❤
As potatoes begin to flower, snip the blooms off and this results in bigger tubers.
Thanks Millie I've planted 3 bales the way you explained ,looking forward to the harvest realy enjoy your segments on Gardening Australia.
Love the repurposed dog bed. It made me smile because I have two that will soon be used in the same way 😄
I think It's worth making the distinction between determinate and indeterminate spuds, when youre talking about planting and growing methods.
A couple of good ideas for the garden!
love the king parrots in the background
That looks like a great way of planting potatoes, we had no success with ours last year, we might try this too!
I'm reminded of RED Gardens doing an experiment of growing potatoes in different mediums and straw was the worst performing. As mentioned in this video, potatoes are hungry feeders and straw has little in the way of nutrients and moisture holding capabilities. I doubt we'll see a follow video on this method here.
The MillenialGardener does a lot of successful gardening in hay bales. As long as they're fed well knowing the hay has little when it comes to nitrogen can help. RED Gardens doesn't add a lot of fertiliser, plus he doesn't work in heavy clay, which Hannah has to deal with. He's also in Ireland, the home of potatoes
I've done spuds (kipfler & pontiac) in straw bales in the past, but I aged my bales for 6 weeks in the winter before planting. A fortnightly application of weak, liquid compost and a little dry manure (alpaca) on top was all it took to get the bales decomposing and for the excess heat created by the decomposition to dissipate. I'm not convinced Millie's spuds are going to work using an indeterminate variety in a fresh bale.
Hi millie 😃
Wow, the cost of bales etc defeats growing them as opposed to buying.
So true.
That’s true for the initial outlay, but the long term benefit is huge.
I got about 5 years value out my bales, as they slowly rotted down and massively improved the texture of my heavy soil.
We bought lucerne which is much more nutritious than meadow hay or straw.
It all depends how much you want to invest in the long term project of growing your own food.
We did lots of “catch crops” at the same time, while waiting for deeper/longer growing took place.
I recommend you try at least one each year.
The other thing I do for spuds is collect autumn leaves and plant in them.
Thankyou. Looks great.
Hi can you please tell me where to buy the onions from, would love to grow them. TIA
I thought the reruns were on Chanel 33 sbs on sundays. Does anyone know if it’s just Fridays 7:30pm now?
We're on the ABC on Fridays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 1:30pm (a repeat of the Friday episode😃)
And watch anytime on ABC iview🏵
Can i use hay bales? Or does it need to be straw?
Hay bales could work, but they are more likely to have seeds that will sprout and take over, including weedy ones! Straw bales are the best option if you have access to it.
👍👌
I thought we had to use approved bird netting?
Wildlife safe netting has tiny holes and needs to be taut over the plants or structure. Millie's old curtain fits the bill and in this case is for frost protection. Potatoes aren't as attractive to birds and bats as something like a fruit tree so it shouldn't be an issue here.